Name: Star Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); Powdered sugar for dusting or icing for decorating

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Star Cookies are your ticket to the sweetest celebrations, turning simple, everyday ingredients into brilliantly shaped delights that seem to sparkle on the cookie tray. With their tender bite, buttery richness, and a hint of vanilla (or almond, if you fancy), these classic sugar cookies stand out in both flavor and festive spirit. Whether you’re inviting little hands to decorate or putting the finishing festive touch on your holiday dessert table, these cookies never disappoint—after all, who can resist a platter of beautifully adorned stars? Once you’ve tried Star Cookies, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe year after year, sharing both the dough and the joy with everyone you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to make your Star Cookies really shine. Each ingredient plays an important role, from structure and softness to that dreamy aromatic flavor. Here’s what goes into each sparkling bite:

All-purpose flour: Gives your cookies their classic shape and tender bite—don’t substitute here for best results!
Baking powder: Adds a touch of lift, keeping the cookies soft without puffing them too much.
Salt: Balances sweetness and subtly enhances every other flavor.
Unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, melt-in-your-mouth crumb—make sure it’s soft for perfect creaming.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and gives just the right level of crunch to the edges.
Large egg: Brings everything together, giving structure and a bit of moisture.
Vanilla extract: Delivers that dreamy, cookie-shop aroma and deep vanilla flavor.
Almond extract (optional): Adds a light, nutty twist—great for special occasions.
Powdered sugar for dusting or icing for decorating: This is your moment to add extra sparkle and whimsy to your Star Cookies.

How to Make Star Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is about more than just combining—whisking aerates your mixture and ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed for consistent cookies every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until it’s pale and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer. You’ll know you’ve done it right when it looks light and almost pillowy; this gives your Star Cookies their delicate bite.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Crack in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re feeling a little fancy. Keep mixing until everything is well blended, infusing the dough with all that cozy aroma.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the bowl of wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. Overmixing is a no-go here if you want tender cookies—stop as soon as everything comes together in a soft dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap them up in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is key: it keeps your Star Cookies from spreading too much and helps each shape stay crisp and defined.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Out the Stars

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Working with one disc at a time, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Grab your favorite star-shaped cutter, press out the cookies, and gently place them about an inch apart on the baking sheets for perfect edges every time.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are starting to turn golden. You want them set but not deeply browned for that signature sugar-cookie softness. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Decorate!

Once cooled, dust your Star Cookies with a snowy layer of powdered sugar or pull out the icing and sprinkles. This is when cookies truly become stars—feel free to get creative and let each one shine!

How to Serve Star Cookies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is always stunning (and reminds everyone of fresh winter snow), but don’t hesitate to get playful. Royal icing, colored sprinkles, edible pearls, or even a drizzle of chocolate can all take your Star Cookies to that next level of delightful. Kids might love smiley faces; grown-ups might swoon for a minimalist sparkle.

Side Dishes

These cookies are the perfect companion to a mug of hot chocolate, a latte, or even a cup of spiced chai. Set them alongside a bowl of fresh berries or citrus wedges for a bright contrast to their buttery sweetness, or offer them as part of a cookie platter with brownies and biscotti for an irresistible dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your Star Cookies high on a festive tray, nestle them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade gifts, or arrange them as edible ornaments on a holiday tree centerpiece—yes, with a gentle hand, you can thread a ribbon through! Whatever you choose, these cookies love the spotlight and were truly made to dazzle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked Star Cookies fresh and tender by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Stack gently between layers of parchment paper to protect their pretty shapes and any decorations.

Freezing

Both the unbaked dough and finished cookies freeze beautifully, making Star Cookies a fantastic make-ahead treat. Wrap the dough discs tightly in plastic, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking. You can also freeze baked cookies—just be sure they’re undecorated, then decorate after thawing for the freshest look.

Reheating

If your cookies lose a little of their just-baked magic, revive them by warming in a 300°F oven for about 3–4 minutes. This perks up the texture and brings back that irresistible aroma. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy instead of crisp.

FAQs

Can I make Star Cookies dough in advance and refrigerate overnight?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling the dough overnight helps the flavors deepen and ensures even better shape retention during baking. Just let the dough discs sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before rolling if they’re super firm.

How do I prevent Star Cookies from spreading and losing their shape?

Chilling the dough is key—don’t skip it. Also, make sure your butter isn’t too soft and avoid over-mixing the dough. Rolling it to a consistent thickness (about 1/4-inch) and using cool baking sheets also help keep those stars precise.

Can I use gluten-free flour to make Star Cookies?

Yes, a good quality one-to-one gluten-free blend works well in place of all-purpose flour. Results may be just a tad more delicate, but you’ll still get gorgeous shapes and great flavor.

What’s the best way to decorate Star Cookies with kids?

Set out bowls of colored icing, sprinkles, and small candies. Let the kids go wild personalizing each star—it’s messy fun! For little ones, dusting with powdered sugar or using food-safe decorating pens can be the easiest and tidiest approach.

Can I flavor Star Cookies with other extracts or spices?

Definitely! Try lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist, or add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for cozy warmth. Feel free to experiment with hazelnut or coconut extract if you’re in the mood for something different—Star Cookies are endlessly adaptable.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning your next cookie swap, decorating with your family, or simply looking for a sweet bite with your afternoon coffee, Star Cookies are ready to add a bright moment to your day. Share a batch or keep them all for yourself—just don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you expect!

Star Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 24–30 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Star Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, with a buttery and tender texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re decorating them for the holidays or enjoying them as is, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Powdered sugar for dusting or icing for decorating

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the Flavor: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until fully combined.
Combine the Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out one dough disc at a time on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them 1 inch apart on the baking sheets.
Cool and Decorate: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or decorate with icing and sprinkles once cooled.